Curated OER
Down to the Sea in Ships...Really!
Students discuss the travel of ancient sailors and the use of ships. They complete a Venn diagram, and compare and contrasts the two points of view on ancient ship travel.
Scholastic
Voyage on the Mayflower for Grades 6–8
Imagine living in the hold of a sailing ship for 63 days, enduring rough seas and autumn storms. As part of a study of the voyage of the Mayflower, class members examine an online resource that details life about the ship, watch a slide...
Core Knowledge Foundation
Christopher Columbus
Take some time to focus on Christopher Columbus, his three ships, the purpose of his voyage, and the new land he discovered. Pay special attention to the included additional materials, they are the real value in this resource.
Reed Novel Studies
The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader: Novel Study
A painting is worth a thousand words—in a different world! Lucy and Edmund sail away into Narnia using a picture of a ship at sea. The story tells of their adventures and the islands they visit. Scholars work through activities about the...
Curated OER
Tall Ships
Students watch a videotape about a voyage aboard a "tall ship." They watch as young, inexperienced sailors overcome seasickness, fear, and lack of experience and come together as a team to operate the sailing vessel. They discuss the...
Curated OER
Captain John Smith's Shallop
Young explorers, all aboard the shallop to discover how early European explorers would navigate the American coastline to find resources, map terrain, and trade with Native American tribes.
Curated OER
Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure
Students research the exploration of Antarctica by the explorer Sir Ernest Shackelton. In this Antarctic exploration lesson, students watch a movie about Sir Ernest Shackelton and his ship the Endurance. Students study a map of...
Curated OER
Antislavery Sentiments
Students review the basic facts of the Amistad slave ship case. They are challenged to test their powers of close reading by being asked to summarize the decision handed down by the Supreeme Court of the United States in 1841. Students...
Curated OER
Inquiring About the Titanic
Students observe pictures of the Titanic sailing and at the bottom of the ocean. They hypothesize the cause of the Titanic tragedy and engage in deeper questioning while one student writes responses on the board. They then work in groups...
Curated OER
Pilgrims
Students listen to the book, THE STORY OF THE PILGRIMS, noticing as the teacher lists key words on the board, and then answering questions about the story. They draw a picture of what they think it looked like inside the Mayflower when...
Curated OER
Exploring Blackbeard
Students research the pirate Blackbeard and create a technological presentation about him. In this research lesson, students read articles about the pirate Blackbeard. Students research the pirate and then create a technological...
Curated OER
Cultural Exchange (Salem)
Students view the photo of the The Tea Trade Painting and discuss what they see. They will then discuss what went into the beginning of a major sea voyage. Next they explore routes traveled by the New England traders. They study sailing...
McGraw Hill
Study Guide for Island of the Blue Dolphins
Dive your class into a reading of Island of the Blue Dolphins with this in-depth study guide. Breaking the novel into three parts, the resource begins each section with a focus activity that identifies a specific theme or question...
Roald Dahl
Matilda - The Reader of Books
The titular Matilda from Roald Dahl's famous novel adored books above all things. Discuss why it is important to read stories from across cultures and around the world using the first chapter from the ever-loved story Matilda.
Novelinks
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle: Writing Response
Prior to reading chapter 15 of the book, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi, examine the painting, Shipwrecked by Edward Moran, and respond to the feelings that arise within and how it relates to the characters of...
Curated OER
Thanksgiving
Teach little learners about the first Thanksgiving. For this Thanksgiving lesson, students discover what it was like to live during that time period. Students compare and contrast the first Thanksgiving to their own.
Curated OER
Connecting Rembrandt and J.R. Tolkien
Students trace continuous thread of art from the 17th to the 20th century. They compare and contrast the painter Rembrandt with the writer Tolkien. They prepare and deliver an individual presentation.
Curated OER
Christopher Columbus Who?
Students recreate a "60-minutes" interview using cue cards and historical information on the Chinese explorer Zheng He. This instructional activity is an excellent introduction to World History during the 1400's.
Curated OER
Birdman or Birdbrain
Students become history detectives as they research, and later discuss, various theories about Rapa Nui. They study written language using symbols and create their own symbol language.
Curated OER
The Deadly Arctic Expedition
Students view a documentary of an Arctic expedition. In 1913, Arctic explorer and scientist, Vilhjamur Stefansson put together a crew of seamen and scientists to explore the Arctic. After viewing, students discuss what they saw and do a...